MaRee Jane Edwards Nelson 1913 ~ 2013Cary, NCLoving Mother of 4, Grandmother of 23, Great Grandmother of 69, Great Great Grandmother of 8, and friend to all that knew her. MaRee Jane Edwards Nelson, age 100, joined her sweetheart of 72 years on November 18, 2013 while visiting family in North Carolina. MaRee was born on March 28, 1913 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Martha Jane Miles and Homer P. Edwards. She was raised in Roosevelt, Utah and was the only female in her graduating class that went on to college. She married her high school sweetheart, Elmo A. Nelson, on June 4, 1935 in the Salt Lake Temple after graduating from the University of Utah with her Bachelor's degree that morning. She worked on her Master's degree at BYU before moving to Bingham Canyon where she and Elmo lived for 17 years. She was active in civic organizations and clubs. In 1954 they purchased a home on Bryan Circle in Salt Lake City where she resided for 59 years. Education was important to MaRee as she educated the community throughout her career as a high school teacher. She taught Home Economics at Bingham High School (3 years), Jordan High School (4 years), and Hillcrest High School (17 years). She taught summer programs and adult education for many years following. Throughout the years her passion and talent for sewing enriched many lives. She designed Pep Club uniforms, prom and wedding dresses, dance costumes, as well as thousands of original designs. She won first grand prize for an original wedding dress at the Utah State Fair. Her secret to long life was to do something you love every day. She accomplished this through sewing daily for her friends and family. She loved to read, cook, and travel as well as be with her family. At age 96 she traveled to Hawaii. She was an active member of the LDS church and served in many ward position. She loved working with the youth and gave service to many through her talents. MaRee was the oldest member of her Utah Daughters of Pioneers Camp. Survived by four children, MaReen Janet Wright (Richard), Elmo Miles Nelson (Dana), Paul Edwards Nelson (Jeanne), and Pamela Jane Brinkman, and a wonderful posterity. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, two sisters, one brother, one grandson, and one great grandson. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends who loved her vibrant love of life. She had a strong testimony of the Savior and exemplified those Christ-like qualities. She had a way of making everyone feel important and was an inspiration to all who knew her. She has left a legacy of love. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 23, at 12 noon at the Foothill 6th Ward, 2215 E. Roosevelt Ave. (1455 South). Friends may visit 10:00-11:30a.m. Prior to the funeral at the church and at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive, on Friday evening between 6-8p.m.
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